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EP2715047B1 - Verbessertes sicherheitssystem für gefährliche stoffe - Google Patents

Verbessertes sicherheitssystem für gefährliche stoffe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2715047B1
EP2715047B1 EP11723735.4A EP11723735A EP2715047B1 EP 2715047 B1 EP2715047 B1 EP 2715047B1 EP 11723735 A EP11723735 A EP 11723735A EP 2715047 B1 EP2715047 B1 EP 2715047B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conduit
valve
freezing
frame
medium
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11723735.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2715047A1 (de
Inventor
Marinus Van Eijk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vorscon Holding BV
Original Assignee
Vorscon Holding BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vorscon Holding BV filed Critical Vorscon Holding BV
Publication of EP2715047A1 publication Critical patent/EP2715047A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2715047B1 publication Critical patent/EP2715047B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/06—Blow-out preventers, i.e. apparatus closing around a drill pipe, e.g. annular blow-out preventers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
    • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B36/00—Heating, cooling or insulating arrangements for boreholes or wells, e.g. for use in permafrost zones
    • E21B36/001—Cooling arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses
    • F16L55/103—Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by temporarily freezing liquid sections in the pipe
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/0318—Processes
    • Y10T137/0391—Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/6416—With heating or cooling of the system

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a safety system for inflammable substances in particular to oil and gas installations.
  • the commonly used safety systems have a disadvantage in that the systems stop functioning entirely or partially after an explosion or an earthquake, because essential parts of installations are no longer located in the correct position, as a result of which varies data such as pressure levels, leaks and fire can no longer be observed.
  • a consequence is that the pressure may reach dangerous levels at certain tanks and/ or conduits, as a result of which the situation becomes irreversible, which may lead to a disaster with all due consequences.
  • the fire extinguishing system is also no longer located in the correct position, a fire can spread very rapidly, which may cause a situation to become increasingly dangerous and more difficult to control with every minute.
  • US 3,738,424 discloses injecting fluid nitrogen in an annulus of a double walled pipe, in order to freeze the pipe and form a plug in the pipe. It was found that the system according to US 3,738,424 is not satisfactory in a number of conditions, which prevents the plug from being created or prevents the plug from being created fast enough.
  • the invention has as an objective to provide an improved safety device, wherein burst conduits and/or damaged valves, of which the supply and/ or discharge can no longer be stopped, can be closed.
  • This is achieved by providing the installations, such as conduits and valves, with a freezing system at various locations, wherein - in use - a closing plug is formed by the freezing system in these conduits and valves, thereby stopping the flow of dangerous substances.
  • This formation of a plug in the conduits and/or valves can be attained in various manners, for instance by surrounding the conduits and/or valves with thin conduits, of which an end is coupled to a reservoir holding fluid nitrogen or a similar freezing medium.
  • the thin conduit is provided with small openings on a side, wherein the openings are substantially directed at a surface which is intended to be frozen.
  • the medium in the valve can be closed by spraying fluid nitrogen or a similar freezing medium onto the valve. Due to the freezing, an ice plug is created in the valve, which eventually causes the flow of dangerous substances to become stagnated.
  • the fluid nitrogen or similar freezing medium can also be sprayed internally into the conduit and/or valve by means of a small conduit. In this embodiment, nitrogen is sprayed into the conduit via a connection, causing the dangerous inflammable substance to be frozen even faster.
  • the connection can be a small connection in the side.
  • the freezing device can combine water and nitrogen. By injecting both water and nitrogen in a certain space via separate conduits, the freezing of the target installations can be performed even faster, as a result of which large openings and/or cracks can also be closed.
  • This embodiment can also be applied with large tanks and/or ships.
  • the opening in the hole can be closed by means of a freezing device.
  • the freezing device can be executed entirely sub-surface, preventing the freezing device to become damaged during an explosion and/or earthquake.
  • the conduits and/or valves which are located therein can eventually be frozen. Because of the fact that fluid nitrogen can be ejected towards the installation from all the small openings, it is possible to freeze certain conduits and/or valves even when they are totally covered with rubble.
  • conduits and/or valves can be provided with a portable freezing system. By fitting both the conduits and the nitrogen reservoir with a casing which provides protection against heavy explosions, the conduits and/or valves can still be frozen.
  • the freezing device may be controlled by means of one or more computers. After an explosion the computers may determine from a safe distance which installations need to be frozen and which installations do not need to be frozen on the basis of camera images and/or sensory data of GPS-systems.
  • a safety device may be provided which is fitted to a conduit and/or valve, and which may be automatically switched on by a computer on the basis of data which is obtained from camera images, GPS-data and/or other data obtained from sensors.
  • the present invention relates to a safety system for inflammable substances in particular to oil and gas installations.
  • the commonly used safety systems have a disadvantage in that the systems stop functioning entirely or partially after an explosion or an earthquake, because essential parts of installations are no longer located in the correct position, as a result of which varies data such as pressure levels, leaks and fire can no longer be observed.
  • a consequence is that the pressure may reach dangerous levels at certain tanks and/ or conduits, as a result of which the situation becomes irreversible, which may lead to a disaster with all due consequences.
  • the fire extinguishing system is also no longer located in the correct position, a fire can spread very rapidly, which may cause a situation to become increasingly dangerous and more difficult to control with every minute.
  • US 4,203,472 discloses an apparatus for stopping fluid flow through a pipe by freezing the fluid.
  • a head has attached thereto a supply tube with jets radially extending from the supply tube toward the pipe.
  • the jets supply a pressurized refrigerant about the periphery of the pipe, this refrigerant lowers the temperature of the pipe sufficiently to freeze the contents and thus stops the flow within the pipe.
  • US 3,738,424 discloses injecting fluid nitrogen in an annulus of a double walled pipe, in order to freeze the pipe and form a plug in the pipe. It was found that the system according to US 3,738,424 is not satisfactory in a number of conditions, which prevents the plug from being created or prevents the plug from being created fast enough.
  • the invention has as an objective to provide an improved safety device, wherein burst conduits and/or damaged valves, of which the supply and/ or discharge can no longer be stopped, can be closed.
  • This is achieved by providing the installations, such as conduits and valves, with a freezing system at various locations, wherein - in use - a closing plug is formed by the freezing system in these conduits and valves, thereby stopping the flow of dangerous substances.
  • This formation of a plug in the conduits and/or valves can be attained in various manners, for instance by surrounding the conduits and/or valves with thin conduits, of which an end is coupled to a reservoir holding fluid nitrogen or a similar freezing medium.
  • the thin conduit is provided with small openings on a side, wherein the openings are substantially directed at a surface which is intended to be frozen.
  • the medium in the valve can be closed by spraying fluid nitrogen or a similar freezing medium onto the valve. Due to the freezing, an ice plug is created in the valve, which eventually causes the flow of dangerous substances to become stagnated. Alternatively to freezing the limited even if the entire installation is covered by rubble and/or located at a great depth.
  • the invention further relates to a transport conduit and/or valve, provided with a safety device according to claim 1.
  • the invention further relates to a method for closing a transport conduit and/or a valve, according to claim 8.
  • a frost fluid having a relatively high melting point is also sprayed, causing the closing plug to be primarily formed by the frost fluid.
  • the freezing medium comprises fluid nitrogen.
  • the frost fluid comprising water.
  • a combination of a freezing medium and a frost fluid is sprayed into the conduit and/or valve and only a freezing medium is sprayed around the conduit and/or valve.
  • a freezing medium is sprayed for the formation of a plug and during a second time period the formed plug is maintained by cooling the plug by means of a second freezing device which comprises a closed conduit system.
  • the method further comprises positioning the freezing device in the vicinity of the conduit and/of valve after a calamity has occurred.
  • the freezing device is positioned in the vicinity of a blowout preventer (BOP), wherein:
  • the improved safety device comprises a reservoir 1 for fluid nitrogen, see Fig. 1 , wherein the safety device comprises a pipe 2, of which an end 3 is provided with a closable valve 4.
  • a thin conduit (or pipe) 7 is positioned, of which an end is connected with the nitrogen reservoir 1 via the closable valve 4.
  • the thin pipe 7 is further provided with small openings 8, which are substantially directed at the surface of the valve 6.
  • the freezing device can be used combining water and nitrogen. By spraying both water and nitrogen in a target space via pipes, the freezing takes place even faster, allowing large openings and/or cracks to be closed also.
  • This embodiment can be applied with large storage tanks and/or ships. When as a result of a collision a hull of a ship is damaged, the opening in the hull can, depending on the place and size of the damage, be closed by means of the freezing device.
  • the freezing device according to the invention can also be provided in a mobile format allowing the freezing device to be provided at a later stage, for instance to a drilling installation at great depth which is not fitted with such a safety system.
  • the invention is in particular suitable to close off a non-functioning Blow Out Preventer 19 (BOP). See figs. 3-8 .
  • a BOP 19 is a special valve which is applied for oil/gas drilling, amongst others at a sea bed.
  • oil/gas drilling the drilled pipe at some point in time enters an area of the oil reservoir (or gas field).
  • oil or gas could eject into the open in an uncontrolled manner because of the pressure, i.e. Blow Out, when a fluid connection would be made with the oil reservoir.
  • BOP is installed on the oil well.
  • the BOP is a complicated device comprising various valves.
  • the BOP further comprises hydraulic and electric ducts and sensors for measuring various parameters such as pressure.
  • a BOP is generally installed together with a riser pipe. After the installation of the BOP and the riser, the drilling is performed through the riser and the BOP.
  • the BOP closes the bore hole by means of strong hydraulic valves when a sudden rise in pressure occurs.
  • the strong hydraulic valves are generally capable of cutting and/or pinching a drilling pipe which extends through the BOP.
  • the safety device can be provided in a frame 15, of which the end 16 is carried out with long legs 17.
  • the frame can - in top view - be a C-shaped frame, allowing the frame 15 to be positioned around a BOP.
  • the underside 21 of the legs 17 is provided with conical cylinders 22.
  • four transverse pipes 23 are mounted which protrude horizontally from the C-frame 15, and which have ends which are provided with a blind flange 24.
  • the transverse pipes 23 are further provided with a guide 25, which is configured in such a way that it is movable back and forth in a linear fashion by means of a hydraulic cylinder 26.
  • the back and forth movement is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, away from the BOP and towards the BOP.
  • a first support 27 for the hydraulic cylinder 26 is provided which extends in the longitudinal direction of the guide 25, wherein the other end 28 of the hydraulic cylinder 26 is connected via a second support 29 to the C-frame 15.
  • a vertical construction 30 is provided, of which the upper end 31 is mounted to two guides 25. The vertical constructions can move back and forth relative to the frame 15 in a horizontal direction.
  • thin pipes 32 are provided which are curved in such manner that they define a dish shape.
  • the pipes 32 extend in a zigzag manner or in another manner and form a more or less curved surface, i.e. a dish form.
  • the spirally shaped thin pipes 32 are provided with small openings 33 in a radial direction.
  • supply pipes are provided, which are connected to closing device 34, preferably comprising a valve, of nitrogen reservoir 35 which is located in the C-frame 15.
  • closing device 34 preferably comprising a valve, of nitrogen reservoir 35 which is located in the C-frame 15.
  • the upper side of the C-frame 15 is provided with thrusters 36 for positioning the installation.
  • the mobile freezing installation 18 can be used to stop the flow of oil.
  • the safety device which is carried out as a portable installation 18 is lowered from a mother ship into the sea above the valve of a drilling installation 20 (i.e. BOP) via cables (not shown in the figures).
  • BOP a drilling installation 20
  • the - in top view - C-shaped frame has an opening on one side, and it is moved in a horizontal direction towards the BOP with the opening directed at the BOP in such a way that the frame is placed around the BOP.
  • the frame is provided with conical cylinders in the shown example.
  • the C-frame 15 will guide the position of the installation, also because the drilling installation 20 is provided with four vertical guides 37, of which the end 38 extends conically for cooperation with the said conical cylinders of the shown frame.
  • the conical cylinders of the frame engage the conical ends of the vertical guides of the drilling installation for the further positioning of the frame. Because the four vertical guides 37 of the drilling installation 20 and the conical cylinders 22 of the C-frame 15 are located at the same position, the maneuver is simplified.
  • the vertical constructions 30 comprising the spirally shaped thin pipes 32 can be moved with the hydraulic cylinder 26 in a linear manner against the valve 19 and the conduit 39. Because the dish shapes that are defined by the thin pipes 32 have substantially a same contour as the valves 19 and the conduit 39 of the drilling installation 20, the dish shapes, the valve 19 and the conduit 39 of the drilling installation will just not engage one another.
  • liquid nitrogen and water is injected into the valve and/or conduit of the installation 20. This is possible by using one or more connections which are provided on the installation 20, and which allow a fluid connection with the through hole which extends through the installation 20.
  • a closed conduit system is provided, in order to maintain the frozen BOP in the closed condition in a later stage.
  • the closed conduit system is preferably formed to surround the valve and the conduit of a drilling installation.
  • cooling parts of the closed conduit system are connected to the movable parts of the frame to which the spraying device is also mounted. In this way both freezing devices can be moved in a simple manner towards a conduit and/or valve for surrounding it and be moved away from said conduit and/or valve.
  • the installation 20 can be a BOP, but can also be a pipeline end terminal (PLET), an anode or another installation. In an embodiment, the installation can also be a pipeline itself.
  • the safety system is preferably provided with a frame for carrying the spraying device and the freezing device.
  • the spraying device is configured to spray the freezing medium around the conduit and/or the valve, and/or is configured to inject the freezing medium into the conduit and/or the valve. With the aid of the spraying device, the conduit and/or valve is cooled in order to form a closing plug in the conduit and/or valve.
  • the frame is further provided with a second freezing device comprising a closed cooling system, for cooling a closing plug which has been formed by the first spraying device.
  • the closed conduits 40 have the same form as pipes 32, so as to form a curved surface together or define a dish form for surrounding the conduit which is to be cooled.
  • the closed conduits are connected to a reservoir comprising a cooling medium, which is not shown in the figures.
  • the cooling medium for instance freon, is supplied from the cooling reservoir via the closed conduits 40 in order to cool the closing plug.
  • the closed conduits 40 are positioned separately from conduits 32, for instance at a slightly larger distance of the conduit which is to be cooled, or on movable parts of the frame which are movable independently of the parts of the frame which support conduits 32.
  • the frame is configured for positioning the first freezing device and, if present, the second freezing device close to the conduit and/or valve of for instance a drilling installation.
  • This effect can be achieved by the form of the frame, wherein the freezing device or freezing devices are supported by the frame so as to enable positioning these close to the conduit and/or valve when the frame is positioned on the valve and/or conduit which is to be cooled.
  • the frame is provided with movable parts which, when the frame is placed on or around a conduit and/or valve, can move between a position at a distance from the conduit and/or valve and a position in close proximity with the conduit and/or valve.
  • a freezing device or the freezing devices are supported by the movable parts of the frame, so as to enable the movement thereof in the direction of the transport conduit and/or valve after the placing of the frame around and/or on the transport conduit and/or valve, in order to reduce the distance between the freezing device and the conduit and/or valve which is to be cooled and in order to improve the cooling.
  • the safety device is provided with a frame which can be placed on a valve or on a conduit.
  • the frame has a C-shape when viewed in top view, so that the conduit and/or valve can be accommodated in the frame via the opening.
  • the frame comprises for instance two parts which are connectable to one another when a conduit and/or valve is positioned between those two parts.
  • the two parts are hingeably connected to one another.
  • the frame can for instance also comprise one central part and one or more hingeable parts and/or linear moving parts which can be moved around a valve or conduit, or between which the valve and/or conduit can be positioned.
  • the movable parts can for instance be moved in the direction of the conduit and/or valve after the central part of the frame is placed on the valve and/or conduit.
  • the first freezing device and/or, if present, the second freezing device, or at least the cooling parts thereof are supported by the movable parts of the frame.
  • the movable part of the freezing device can be positioned at a short distance of the conduit and/or valve, in order to improve the forming and/or the maintaining of the closing plug in the conduit.
  • the safety device is provided with a freezing device which comprises a spraying device which is configured to spray the freezing medium, for instance liquid nitrogen, around the conduit and/or the valve, in such a way that the closing plug is formed because the medium in the conduit and/or the valve freezes.
  • the freezing device can for instance be formed as a thin conduit with nozzles for for instance liquid nitrogen or a corresponding cooling medium, which can be positioned around a transport conduit and/or a valve.
  • the thin conduit can for instance be provided on a spool, and can for instance be applied on the object which is to be cooled by divers or by a remotely controlled ROV.
  • a conduit comprising nozzles is integrated with the frame of the safety system.
  • the conduit is part of a bowl-shaped element, for instance having a radius which is similar to or larger than the contour of the conduit which is to be cooled, and which can be moved at a position near the conduit with a movable arm in order to surround this conduit partially.
  • a plurality of thin conduits are provided which can each be provided around the conduit or valve which is to be cooled.
  • the safety system is provided with a freezing device which comprises a spraying device which is configured to spray the freezing medium, for instance liquid nitrogen, in the conduit and/or valve, in such a way that the closing ice plug is formed by the freezing of the medium in the conduit and/or the valve.
  • a freezing device which comprises a spraying device which is configured to spray the freezing medium, for instance liquid nitrogen, in the conduit and/or valve, in such a way that the closing ice plug is formed by the freezing of the medium in the conduit and/or the valve.
  • the spraying device can for instance be formed as a thin conduit for instance for liquid nitrogen or a corresponding cooling medium, which can be connected to an inlet in the conduit and/or the valve, wherein the inlet is in connection with the interior space of the conduit.
  • the conduit may be provided on a spool, and can for instance be connected to the inlet by divers of by a remotely controlled under water vehicle.
  • the transport conduit and/or the valve is provided with one or more spraying nipples on the inside, wherein the spraying nipples are in connection with the inlet, such that a spraying nipple or the spraying nipples can be connected via the conduit which is connected to the inlet to a reservoir comprising a freezing medium.
  • multiple conduits are provided, such that multiple inlets can be connected to the reservoir comprising freezing medium, for instance connected to an inlet on the conduit and to an inlet on the valve.
  • the safety device is provided with means, such as a drilling device, for making an opening in the conduit which is to be cooled, and the safety device is provided with conduits which can subsequently be positioned in said opening, or are integrated with the drilling device, for bringing the freezing medium in the conduit.
  • the spraying device is not only configured to spray the freezing medium into the conduit and/or the valve, but also configured to spray a frost liquid having a relatively high melting point, for instance water, into the conduit and/or into the valve, in such a way that the closing plug is formed by the freezing of the frost liquid which is injected into the conduit and/or the valve.
  • the freezing device may comprise, in addition to the above mentioned conduit for supplying the freezing medium, a further conduit for supplying and spraying the frost liquid into the conduit and/or into the valve, for instance via an inlet having one or more spraying nipples.
  • the freezing device is in that case configured to spray the frost liquid and the freezing medium into the conduit and/or valve, so as to freeze the frost liquid in the conduit and/or valve and form the ice plug.
  • the safety device is provided with one or more, possibly exchangeable, reservoirs for holding the freezing medium, and is possibly provided with reservoirs for holding the frost liquid.
  • the freezing medium and the frost liquid can be transported with the aid of pumps and via conduits to the conduit and/or valve which is to be frozen.
  • pumps and a conduit system are provided which supply seawater as frost liquid. This embodiment does not need a reservoir for frost liquid.
  • frost liquid in the form of water is supplied from tanks. This has as an advantage that the water is not contaminated by for instance oil which is leaking from the oil well, and can not plug the pumps and/or damage the pumps.
  • the freezing device is configured to freeze the conduit and/or the valve both from the outside and from the inside.
  • the safety system is, in addition to the first freezing device for forming the closing ice plug, further provided with a second freezing device for maintaining the closing ice plug.
  • This second freezing device comprises a closed conduit system for transporting a freezing medium, for instance freon, for cooling the conduit and/or valve and/or the layer of ice which is formed on the conduit and/or valve.
  • the freezing medium is sprayed by the first freezing device in order to form the closing ice plug in the conduit and/of the valve.
  • the formed closure is cooled by the second freezing device, and maintained.
  • the spraying of the freezing medium is halted.
  • the freezing device comprises two or more conduit parts which are formed in such a way that they each define a dish form, wherein the dish forms are configured to, in use, be positioned around the conduit and/or the valve and to surround these at least partially.
  • the dish parts are formed in such a way that they can be combined into a sleeve which encircles the conduit an/or the valve.
  • the conduit parts are integrated in the frame of the safety system, or are integrated with a movable part of that frame.
  • the ice plug which is formed by the freezing device in the conduit and/or the valve is formed by the injected water and/or by the medium which is transported by the conduit and/or the valve, such as oil, which obtains such a high viscosity that it is stuck in the conduit and/or valve.
  • spirally shaped thin pipes can for instance be oriented vertically instead of horizontally.
  • the round cooling pipes can for instance also have an other form, such as oval.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Sicherheitsvorrichtung für eine Öl- und Gasanlage, wobei die Anlage eine oder mehrere Leitungen (11; 39) für den Transport von Öl und/oder Gas und/oder ein oder mehrere Ventile (6) umfasst, wobei die Sicherheitsvorrichtung umfasst:
    eine erste Gefriervorrichtung (2, 10, 7, 8; 32, 33) zum Ausbilden eines schließenden Eispfropfens, wobei die erste Gefriervorrichtung ausgestaltet ist, ein Gefriermittel (1) in die Leitung (11) und/oder in das Ventil (6) zu sprühen, und/oder eine Sprühvorrichtung umfasst, welche ausgestaltet ist, ein Gefriermittel um die Leitung (11; 39) und/oder um das Ventil (5, 6) zu sprühen; und
    eine zweite Gefriervorrichtung (40) zum Erhalten des verschließenden Eispfropfens, und
    wobei die erste Gefriervorrichtung (2, 10, 7, 8; 32, 33) im Wesentlichen in und/oder um die Leitung (11; 39) und/oder das Ventil (5, 6) angeordnet ist,
    wobei - im Betrieb der Sicherheitsvorrichtung - die erste Gefriervorrichtung (2, 10, 7, 8; 32, 33) die Leitung (11; 39) und/oder das Ventil (5, 6) dermaßen kühlt, dass ein verschließender Eispfropfen in der Leitung (11; 39) und/oder dem Ventil (5, 6) ausgebildet wird; und
    wobei die zweite Gefriervorrichtung (40) eine geschlossene Leitungsvorrichtung zum Transportieren eines Gefriermittels umfasst, sodass - im Betrieb der Sicherheitsvorrichtung - während einer ersten Zeitdauer das Gefriermittel (1) mittels der ersten Gefriervorrichtung (2, 10, 7, 8; 32, 33) gesprüht wird, um den verschließenden Eispfropfen auszubilden, und dass während einer zweiten Zeitdauer der ausgebildeten Verschluss durch die zweite Gefriervorrichtung (40) erhalten bleibt, und wobei während der zweiten Dauer das Sprühen von dem Gefriermittel (1) angehalten wird.
  2. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Gefriervorrichtung
    eine dünne Leitung für flüssigen Stickstoff umfasst, welche ausgestaltet ist, um eine Transportleitung und/oder ein Ventil angeordnet zu werden, wobei die dünne Leitung mit kleinen Öffnungen versehen ist, welche bei Verwendung im Wesentlichen auf die Transportleitung und/oder das Ventil gerichtet sind, wobei die dünnen Leitungen vorzugsweise in einer derartigen Art und Weise gekrümmt sind, dass sie eine Schüsselform definieren.
  3. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Gefriervorrichtung eine Sprühvorrichtung umfasst, welche ausgestaltet ist, das Gefriermittel, zum Beispiel flüssigen Stickstoff, in die Leitung und/oder das Ventil in einer derartigen Art und Weise zu sprühen, dass der verschließende Eispfropfen durch das Gefrieren des Mittels in der Leitung und/oder dem Ventil ausgebildet wird, und optional
    die Sprühvorrichtung nicht nur ausgestaltet ist, das Gefriermittel in die Leitung und/oder in das Ventil zu sprühen, sondern auch ausgestaltet ist, eine Frostflüssigkeit mit einem verhältnismäßig hohen Schmelzpunkt, zum Beispiel Wasser, in die Leitung und/oder das Ventil zu sprühen, um den verschließenden Eispfropfen durch Gefrieren der Frostflüssigkeit, welche in die Leitung und/oder das Ventil eingespritzt wurde, auszubilden.
  4. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Gefriervorrichtung zwei oder mehr Rohrabschnitte umfasst, welche ausgebildet sind, jeweils eine Schalenform zu definieren, wobei die Schalenformen ausgestaltet sind, - in Verwendung - um die Leitung und/oder das Ventil angeordnet zu sein und diese im Wesentlichen zu umgeben.
  5. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sicherheitsvorrichtung einen Rahmen für eine Anordnung an und/oder um das Ventil und/oder die Leitung umfasst,
    wobei der Rahmen die erste Gefriervorrichtung nach zumindest Anspruch 1 und/oder Anspruch 3 hält, und wobei der Rahmen vorzugsweise die zweite Gefriervorrichtung hält,
    wobei der Rahmen ausgestaltet ist, die erste und/oder zweite Gefriervorrichtung dicht an der Leitung und/oder dem Ventil anzuordnen, wobei dieser Effekt durch die Form des Rahmens erreicht wird und/oder weil der Rahmen bewegliche Teile umfasst, welche die erste und/oder zweite Gefriervorrichtung tragen und in der Lage sind, diese in die Richtung der Leitung und/oder des Ventils zu bewegen, nachdem der Rahmen an und/oder um die Leitung und/oder das Ventil angeordnet wurde.
  6. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Gefriervorrichtung im Wesentlichen im Untergrund angeordnet ist und der Stickstoff und/oder ein anderes Gefriermittel in der Lage ist, über Gewebe verteilt zu werden, welche unter der Anlage angeordnet sind, wodurch die Leitungen und/oder Ventile eingefroren werden.
  7. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Gefriervorrichtung mittels eines oder mehrerer Computer gesteuert wird, wobei die Computer mit Sensoren, wie zum Beispiel Kameras und/oder einem GPS-System, verbunden sind, welche dem Computer ermöglichen, aus einer sicheren Entfernung nach einer Explosion auf der Basis von Kamerabildern und/oder Daten von GPS-Systemen zu bestimmen, ob das Sicherheitssystem einzuschalten ist oder nicht, um die Anlage einzufrieren.
  8. Verfahren zum Verschließen einer Transportleitung und/oder eines Ventils, insbesondere von einer Öl- und/oder Gasanlage, mittels einer Sicherheitsvorrichtung, welche eine erste Gefriervorrichtung umfasst, welche ausgestaltet ist, ein Gefriermittel zu sprühen, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
    - Sprühen eines Gefriermittels in die Leitung und/oder in das Ventil, und/oder
    - Sprühen eines Gefriermittels um die Leitung und/oder um das Ventil,
    wobei ein verschließender Pfropfen in der Leitung und/oder dem Ventil ausgebildet wird, und
    wobei während einer ersten Zeitdauer das Gefriermittel zum Ausbilden eines Pfropfens gesprüht wird, und wobei während einer zweiten Zeitdauer der ausgebildete Pfropfen durch Kühlen des Pfropfens mittels einer zweiten Gefriervorrichtung, welche ein geschlossenes Leitungssystem umfasst, aufrecht erhalten wird.
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, ferner umfassend:
    - Anordnen der ersten Gefriervorrichtung in der Nähe der Leitung und/oder des Ventils nachdem ein Unglück aufgetreten ist;
    - Absenken der ersten Gefriervorrichtung von einem Wasserfahrzeug über Kabel zu einer Position in der Nähe des Ventils und/oder der Transportleitung, welche zu schließen ist,
    - Bewegen der ersten Gefriervorrichtung in einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen Richtung in Richtung der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils, vorzugsweise mit Schubdüsen, welche an dem Rahmen angebracht wurden, um einen Rahmen der ersten Gefriervorrichtung um die Transportleitung und/oder das Ventil anzuordnen,
    - optional:
    Absenken der ersten Gefriervorrichtung in einer derartigen Art und Weise, dass ein Rahmen der Gefriervorrichtung auf einem Rahmen des Ventils angeordnet wird.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Sicherheitsvorrichtung einen Rahmen mit beweglichen Teilen umfasst, welche eine Gefriervorrichtung der Sicherheitsvorrichtung halten, wobei das Verfahren ferner umfasst:
    - nach dem Anordnen der Gefriervorrichtung um und/oder an der Transportleitung und/oder dem Ventil, Bewegen der beweglichen Teile des Rahmens in Richtung der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils zum Anordnen der Gefriervorrichtung in einer unmittelbaren Nähe zu der Transportleitung und/oder dem Ventil, um das Kühlen der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils zu ermöglichen,
    - Sprühen eines Gefriermittels um die Leitung und/oder das Ventil.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei die Sicherheitsvorrichtung eine Sprühvorrichtung umfasst, welche ausgestaltet ist, das Gefriermittel in die Leitung und/oder in das Ventil zu sprühen, und eine Verbindungsvorrichtung umfasst, wie zum Beispiel eine Leitung, zum Verbinden der Sprühvorrichtung mit einem Einlass der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils, ferner umfassend:
    - Nach dem Anordnen der Gefriervorrichtung um und/oder an der Transportleitung und/oder dem Ventil, Verbinden der Verbindungsvorrichtung für das Gefriermittel mit dem Einlass der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils;
    - Sprühen des Gefriermittels in die Leitung und/oder in das Ventil.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11,
    wobei die Sprühvorrichtung ferner ausgestaltet ist, eine Frostflüssigkeit in die Leitung und/oder das Ventil zu sprühen, und eine Verbindungsvorrichtung umfasst, wie zum Beispiel eine Leitung, zum Verbinden der Sprühvorrichtung mit einem Einlass der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils, wobei das Verfahren ferner umfasst:
    - nach einem Anordnen der Gefriervorrichtung um und/oder an der Transportleitung und/oder dem Ventil, Verbinden der Verbindungsvorrichtung für die Frostflüssigkeit mit dem Einlass der Transportleitung und/oder des Ventils;
    - Sprühen der Frostflüssigkeit in die Leitung und/oder das Ventil in Verbindung mit dem Sprühen des Gefriermittels.
  13. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 9 bis 12,
    wobei die Gefriervorrichtung in der Nähe eines Blowout Preventers (BOP) angeordnet ist, wobei:
    - ein Gefriermittel um den BOP gesprüht wird, und
    - ein Gefriermittel in den BOP gesprüht wird, wodurch ein Verschlusspfropfen in dem BOP ausgebildet wird.
  14. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, wobei eine Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 verwendet wird.
EP11723735.4A 2010-05-21 2011-05-23 Verbessertes sicherheitssystem für gefährliche stoffe Active EP2715047B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NL1037976A NL1037976C2 (nl) 2010-05-21 2010-05-21 Verbeterd veiligheidssysteem voor gevaarlijke stoffen.
PCT/NL2011/050347 WO2011145943A1 (en) 2010-05-21 2011-05-23 Improved safety system for dangerous substances

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EP2715047A1 EP2715047A1 (de) 2014-04-09
EP2715047B1 true EP2715047B1 (de) 2017-09-06

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MX2016003270A (es) 2013-09-13 2016-10-26 Biofilm Ip Llc Valvulas magneto-criogenicas, sistemas y metodos para modular flujo en un conducto.
CN110778286B (zh) * 2019-11-15 2021-09-24 中国石油天然气集团有限公司 一种测井电缆断丝处理方法

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US2552901A (en) * 1949-05-16 1951-05-15 Otis Pressure Control Inc Method of controlling wells
US3738424A (en) * 1971-06-14 1973-06-12 Big Three Industries Method for controlling offshore petroleum wells during blowout conditions
CA958328A (en) * 1971-08-05 1974-11-26 Hurtsteel Products Ltd. Method and assembly for controlling blowouts in oil wells
US3857255A (en) * 1971-11-26 1974-12-31 A Elwood Cryogenic control valve
GB1601462A (en) * 1978-05-25 1981-10-28 Nixon I G Control of oil and gas well blowouts
US4203472A (en) * 1978-06-20 1980-05-20 Dulaney Burrell C Device for stopping fluid flow from a pipe
US4396031A (en) 1981-01-07 1983-08-02 Conoco Inc. Method for restricting uncontrolled fluid flow through a pipe
US4372378A (en) 1981-03-18 1983-02-08 The Bdm Corporation Shut-in device for stopping the flow of high pressure fluids
US5125427A (en) 1991-04-02 1992-06-30 Conoco Inc. Freeze-thaw method for temporarily plugging process flowline
FR2730545B1 (fr) * 1995-02-13 1997-03-28 Bio Merieux Vanne statique a congelation, et enceinte de traitement controlee par au moins une vanne
US5649594A (en) * 1995-12-11 1997-07-22 Boots & Coots, L.P. Method and apparatus for servicing a wellhead assembly
US6141972A (en) * 1998-12-07 2000-11-07 Evans; Daniel J. Invasive cryogenic tool and method for freezing the content of a pipe

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US20140318635A1 (en) 2014-10-30
WO2011145943A1 (en) 2011-11-24
NL1037976C2 (nl) 2011-11-22
US9297466B2 (en) 2016-03-29
EP2715047A1 (de) 2014-04-09
NO2715047T3 (de) 2018-02-03

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